The story

Barrafina Borough Yards: Spanish Tapas in London’s Victorian Arch

The Kitchen and the Counter

Situated in London just steps from Borough Market, Barrafina Borough Yards delivers modern Spanish cooking inside a converted Victorian railway arch. The Good Food Guide recognised the venue for maintaining a steady standard of counter-top hospitality since it opened in summer 2022. A long marble bar places guests directly beside the open kitchen, where each day begins with fresh arrivals. The head chef builds a specials blackboard around those morning ingredients, transforming them into seasonal plates while much of the produce rests on a bed of ice behind the bar.

Standout Dishes

The a la carte menu traces a clear path through regional Spanish cuisine, starting with small plates like marinated olives, ham croquetas, and pan con tomate. Guests often reach for the pimientos de padrón and the house tortilla, though the chalkboard specials frequently introduce more inventive options such as chargrilled secreto ibérico or squid finished with mojo verde. On cooler evenings, heavier preparations like pulpo en adobo or pork tenderloin with broad beans provide a satisfying anchor. The kitchen rounds out the service with straightforward desserts, including crema catalana and a chocolate tart paired with Pedro Ximénez.

Space and Spirits

Beyond the marble counter, high top tables offer views across the cooking line while a partially enclosed snug captures daylight through a generous window for larger parties. The beverage programme mirrors the food’s regional focus, with the wine list leaning heavily toward Spanish grapes and a dedicated selection of sherry ranging from fino to palo cortado. Lighter pourings include bright albariño and chilled manzanilla, complemented by Estrella beer on tap. Visitors can extend their stay next door at the sister venue Bar Daskal, which opens its doors for additional cocktails and fortified wines.

Recognition

Awards & accolades

2026

The Good Food Guide

Good

Ambience

A glimpse inside

Details

At a glance

The Good Food Guide 2026 — Good

Cuisines Spanish

Services Accomedation, Bar, Breakfast, Catering, Dinner, Live Music, Lunch, Outdoor Seating, Private Parties, Table Service, Takeaway, Vegetarian, Wheelchair Access

History

On the record

2026

The Good Food Guide — Good

While the popularity of other London tapas bars has waxed and waned, Barrafina has remained a standard-bearer. This, the fifth iteration of the group, launched in summer 2022 and is set within a Victorian railway arch at Borough Yards, a new development bordering Borough Market. It’s in good company, with other Harts Group eateries nearby, including the El Pastor taqueria on Stoney Street, their Parrillan grill restaurant next door, and an entrance to Bar Daskal (a Spanish wine, sherry and cocktail bar) at the back. This place, however, is all about counter-top dining. From the long marble bar with its fixed stools, you can watch the chefs prep while you scan the placemat menu of para picar (nibbles), seafood, tortilla, meat, vegetables and desserts. You might just fancy a chilled manzanilla or a bright Albariño and a couple of croquetas, some Padrón peppers and their famed tortilla, but it would be a shame not to branch out and try something more innovative from the chalked-up specials board – perhaps calçots with romesco, or torreznos (fried pork snacks) given heft with a scattering of fried jalapeño and shallots, or perhaps a caldereta (stew). At inspection, a daily special of plaice in a light-as-air batter was superb. Finish with the delectable fried Catalan bunyols (doughnuts). As with most Barrafinas (except Dean Street), counter seats are bookable, with a few places held back for walk-ins; there are high-top tables, too, for larger groups. The drinks list (sherry, cava and wine) leans heavily on Spanish grapes; otherwise, Estrella beer is on tap.

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Established

Location

Find us

2 Dirty Lane, Borough, SE1 9PA
London, United Kingdom
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